Safeway Pharmacy - Santa Cruz, California

F B.

As someone who has worked in customer service, the customer service at this pharmacy is the worst I’ve ever experienced. They are extremely rude and condescending and seem like they really do not want to be doing this job. I would recommend other Safeways in the area or, if your medication permits, not using Safeway at all.

Derek H.

COLLEGE STUDENTS BEWARE.

Even if you’ve already turned 18 and are using university/non-parental insurance, you are at RISK of this pharmacy texting your private medical information to your parents (or whoever your contact info lists even from BEFORE you turned 18, which should not be allowed).

This pharmacy provided me with my prescription perfectly fine the first two times I needed it. They texted/called me directly, and I picked it up.

The third time? Someone at the pharmacy decided to randomly switch it up and took it upon themself to text my FATHER’S number, which was input nearly a decade ago, not only the fact that I had a prescription order but the EXACT name of my medication.

This has devastated me as I never wanted him to know this. Not only am I going to have a tough conversation with him, but I’m also gonna have one with whoever’s in charge of receiving HIPAA–violation forms.

What’s even more laughable is that I’m not even under his insurance, so there’s literally no reason he should have even been contacted.

Please beware anyone who necessitates medical privacy, this pharmacy’s system is outdated.

Also, when I called in to simply fix this, I was met with two pharmacists.

The first one was nice and apologized for the mishap but said that it was impossible for her to change my info and that I had to download the Safeway app to fix it. Guess what? The app is crap and has many bugs. When I finally was able to get my information linked, there were no options for me to remove my father’s information. I had to call into corporate customer service to get it removed.

The second lady however was not so lovely. She kept telling me how understaffed they were and how she had a hundred vaccines to that day as if that had anything to do with me or their profoundly violating mistake. Listen, I understand that kind of stress, but I feel like it’s not appropriate for a customer to call in needing help with your mistake and for you to complain about how much I’M adding onto your plate. It’s even worse when you consider that your coworker was at least able to be tactful and you weren’t.

EDIT September 2024: They have officially been served their fines 🙂 It seems like they haven’t learned considering they’re still rude to students, but hopefully they know not to at the very least leak personal information.

Aylin D.

A family member tested positive for an illness late at night. Our physician was able to call in a prescription and I was able to pick it up right before the pharmacy closed. I snagged some supplements and groceries on my way out. The patient was able to promptly start taking their medicine. Overall a very smooth experience.

M M.

Lisa of Safeway Pharmacy Westside and her staff have provided outstanding service to me for over one year by filling my monthly Rx efficiently and by working through the often complex insurance billing. Phone hold times and window wait has is typically short. This is the best pharmacy in Santa Cruz.

Jim M.

I have had problems at the CVS on Mission twice in the last few months. They couldn't get a drug, then they were refusing to refill another prescription, even when my doctor called them! Safeway took care of me both times. Someone answers on the first few rings and my refill was ready in 30 minutes. I will be changing from CVS to Safeway's pharmacy. Plus I can pick up a few groceries while I am there!

Joanne R.

I have gone this pharmacy many times and the pharmacists are usually helpful, but this morning, 9:32 a.m. on 7/25/16, I was treated very rudely by the only pharmacist there - maybe he thought he could be rude because he was alone, I don't know, but I definitely let the store manager know that he was rude..This man was extremely condescending and snarky because I didn't know the name of the medication that I was picking up for my mother. Definitely needs to be schooled on customer service skills!!

Clark

Friendly and efficient staff here at this SafeWay Pharmacy. I particularly appreciate the kindness and telephone manner of the young woman who typically answers the phone.

I transferred to this SafeWay after woeful ineptitude and rudeness from a RiteAid nearby. Also, RiteAid charges much more for prescriptions.

Thank You SafeWay Pharmacy!

J R.

Don't even bother coming here unless it's very early in the morning. Anything that's a good deal and worth buying will be OUT OF STOCK. 9 TIMES OUT OF TEN. where do you people get groceries in Santa Cruz? Do you just meditate and think about food? Are you all surviving on chickpeas and tofu?